UT Dean of Libraries Steven Escar Smith will serve on the Tennessee Advisory Council on Libraries. He was appointed to the council by the Tennessee Secretary of State, Tre Hargett.

The Tennessee Advisory Council on Libraries is the state entity that oversees library services that benefit all Tennesseans. The council advises the Tennessee State Library and Archives on long-range plans for library programs, services and activities in Tennessee.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives collects and preserves books and records of historical, documentary and reference value, and encourages and promotes library development throughout the state.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives supports Tennessee’s Regional Library System; provides construction funding, library materials, continuing education, and technology assistance to Tennessee’s public libraries; and encourages resource sharing across the state.

One ongoing project of the state library that benefits Tennessee’s colleges and universities is the Tennessee Electronic Library, an online collection of research resources made available free of charge to Tennessee residents.

Smith’s initial appointment to the Tennessee Advisory Council on Libraries is a three-year, renewable term.